Preparing for harvest

John Wilson

News Column

John Wilson

Extension Educator

September 27, 2013

Preparing for Harvest

Harvest is just around the corner. We’ve had a few fields harvested in our area, some early planted soybeans and some high moisture corn, but we’ve had ideal drying conditions and crops are rapidly maturing. Harvest will be in full swing in a week or two, so now is a great time to do some pre-harvest preparations.

Growing the crop takes a little cooperation from Mother Nature. However, we have almost complete control on whether we keep that crop in good condition from harvest until it is fed or sold. Producing a good crop, only to have its condition deteriorate in storage, is an unnecessary loss of income. Last year, harvest progressed normally, or even ahead of schedule, but a couple years ago, it was a disaster… caused by poor harvest and drying conditions. A lot of grain went out of condition in the bin.

Proper cleanup before harvest coupled with good stored grain management will put more income in your pocket and keep your equipment and facilities in better condition. So before you head to the field, consider this five-step, pre-harvest plan to keep your stored grain in good condition.

First, Pest Proof Bins: Repair all leaks and holes in bins so rain or snow can’t get in and increase grain moisture. Screen roof vents to exclude birds. Keep doors shut in flat storage to keep birds and rodents out. Leave no holes or gaps larger that 1/4 inch.

Second, Clean Outside Bins: Do not allow junk to accumulate, or weeds and grass to grow tall next to the bin. These hiding places for rodents makes detecting their presence more difficult. Clean up spilled grain from loading and unloading areas so it won’t attract insects, birds or rodents.

Third, Clean Inside Bins: Grain and grain debris may harbor insects and molds that will infest newly stored grains. For this reason, never put new grain on top of old grain. Thoroughly clean the bin with brooms, shovels and vacuum cleaners to remove old grain, cracked kernels, and grain debris.

Clean walls, ceilings, ledges, sills, and floors. Clean behind partitions, between walls and clean out cracks and crevices. Remove and burn all sweepings and debris.

Fourth, Spray Bins: After the bin is thoroughly cleaned, spray the inside surfaces with a recommended grain protectant, ideally at least two weeks before storing grain. Check the insecticide label for rates and if it is appropriate for the type of grain you will store.

Spray around all openings and into the seams. Spray removable doors, behind partitions and under perforated floors and aeration ducts. Before grain is put in the bin, sweep up and dispose of all dead insects.

Finally, Clean Harvest and Handling Equipment: Thoroughly clean trucks, combines, grain carts, augers, dryers and other equipment that might have old grain left in it from the last use. Such grain may contain insects and molds that could start new infestations in newly harvested grain.

Following these five steps won’t insure safe grain storage, but it does reduce the chance for problems to develop. You’ll still need to get grain dried enough for safe storage and periodically check on it over the winter and next spring, but by eliminating problems before we put any grain in the bin is the first step in maintaining our grain quality.

For more information on safe grain storage, contact your local UNL Extension office.